Judge Continues Homicide Defendant’s Scheduling Hearing, Refuses to Set Trial in October

By Alyssia Davis [former] - February 22, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 22, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn continued a homicide defendant’s reception court hearing a day to allow all parties time to determine a trial date. 

Judge Phinn stated she will not give counsel an October trial date for defendant Jerome Jermey Johnson. 

The defendant’s Hick’s date—which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his or his counsel first appearance in court—is May 31. Phinn said she will continue the hearing so counsel can come up with a trial date closer to the defendant’s Hick’s date.

Johnson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, three counts of armed robbery, three counts of attempted armed robbery, five counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and several firearm charges in connection to an incident on May 31, 2021. 

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 1900 block of W. Fayette Street for reports of a shooting. Officers found 33-year-old Jameo McClean suffering from a gunshot wound. 

The defendant and his defense counsel, Andre Mahasa, rejected a plea of life for first-degree murder, a consecutive life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and a consecutive twenty years for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime. 

Johnson’s next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 23.